M-N-C Materials for Electrochemical Reduction Reactions: Recent Strategies for Improving Electrocatalytic Activity and Stability

Author(s)

de Araujo, Moises A. ; Koverga, Andrey A. A. ; Sakita, Alan M. P. ; Ometto, Felipe B. B. ; da Trindade, Leticia G. ; Ticianelli, Edson A. A.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: CHEMCATCHEM; v. 15, n. 11, p. 23-pg., 2023-05-08.

Abstract

Electrocatalytic reduction of small molecules such as dioxygen (O-2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and water has driven conspicuous attention due to their technological importance and capability of tackling current environmental issues. So far, to drive such reactions, catalysts based on the platinum-group elements have displayed the best performance, however, the high-cost and scarcity of these elements hinder large-scale applications. Alternatively, earth-abundant M-N-C (M=Fe, Co, or Ni) materials have stood out as potential candidates because of their suitable electrocatalytic properties for the aforementioned reactions. In this way, the present review aims to provide a thorough account of the recently reported strategies to improve the electrocatalytic reduction of O-2, CO2, and water on M-N-C catalysts. In order to have an in-depth understanding of these reactions, we will also discuss some of the latest theoretical studies based on computer modelling and simulation. Lastly, additional comments on future perspectives will be provided to guide new studies. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/01268-3 - Surface modifications of nanostructured thin films of copper sulphide: a novel approach to improve hydrogen gas generation and carbon dioxide reduction
• Grantee: Moisés Albuquerque de Araújo
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 21/14163-5 - Electrocatalysts impregnated with ionic liquids for the electro-reduction of carbon dioxide
• Grantee: Alan Massayuki Perdizio Sakita
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 20/11947-2 - Designing electrocatalysts: from first principles to efficient green energy applications
• Grantee: Andrii Koverga
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 19/22183-6 - Electrocatalysis VI: fundamental and applied aspects of emerging and classical problems in electrochemical energy conversion
• Grantee: Edson Antonio Ticianelli
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 20/15230-5 - Research Centre for Greenhouse Gas Innovation - RCG2I
• Grantee: Julio Romano Meneghini
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research Centers in Engineering Program